Egypt's Foreign Minister and Minister of Immigration, Badr Abdelatty, held separate phone calls on Saturday, with his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raji, and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss escalating regional tensions. During the call with the Lebanese Foreign Minister, discussions focused on the recent developments in southern Lebanon. Abdelatty addressed the escalating situation, warning of the potential for increased tension and instability in the region and the risk of exacerbating the fragile situation. He cautioned against the dangers of a spiral of escalation that could lead to further instability. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's support for the Lebanese state, its national institutions, and its stability in the face of security challenges. He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of any actions that could harm the security, safety, and stability of the Lebanese people. He also emphasised the need for the implementation and adherence to the cessation of hostilities agreement in southern Lebanon, the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the empowerment of the Lebanese army to implement UN Resolution 1701. He stressed the importance of the full and simultaneous implementation of the resolution by all parties without selectivity. In the call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, discussions addressed the rapid developments in the region and the need to contain the escalation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. Abdelatty emphasised the need for restraint during this critical period and urged against taking steps that could contribute to fueling the tense situation in the region. Abdelatty also discussed the developments in the Red Sea, stressing the need to protect freedom of navigation. He highlighted the significant losses suffered by the Egyptian economy due to the decline in Suez Canal revenues and the instability in the region. He underscored the importance of restoring calm and avoiding a spiral of violence and escalation. The Minister also stressed the need to consolidate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and to work to contain the current escalation.
